Protecting data helps reduce the chance of cyberattacks that can impact your business or personal image. It is important to know the best practices to protect your sensitive information and follow them. Any breach of your private information could result in fines or lawsuits, which may have long-term consequences for your business or you personally.
Passwords protect all devices and files This simple step can prevent hackers from gaining access information. Use strong passwords using complex combinations of letters, numbers and symbols. Change default passwords from vendors to more secure ones as quickly as possible. Update your anti-virus software regularly and run a security scan on your servers and computer.
Do not send sensitive or personally specific information via email. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account information passwords, passwords etc. Email is not secure and it could be accessed.
Ensure your network and data are secure. Ensure that your laptops, computers and portable storage devices are protected by using strong encryption when you send information to third party parties and to protect the information on these devices. It is also essential to prepare a plan to react to a cyber-attack which includes who you’ll inform and what you will do (e.g. employees, customers, credit bureaus).
Make sure you keep a copy of all your data. Keep the offline copies in a separate location from where your primary copies are. This will prevent hackers from gaining access to your primary copy or delete it.
